In Wharton, New Jersey, a staggering **40-foot by 40-foot sinkhole** has emerged, prompting the closure of a section of **Interstate 80 (I-80)**. This unexpected event occurred around **7:45 a.m.** near Exit 34, as the ground gave way, affecting not just the shoulder but also encroaching upon the eastbound right lane.

According to the **State Department of Transportation**, the root of this major disruption lies in an **abandoned mineshaft** that collapsed beneath the highway. While construction crews initially aimed to complete repairs by the day’s end, the discovery of the mineshaft has complicated their efforts significantly, combined with inclement weather forecasts for the upcoming weekend.

As traffic remains affected, **I-80 East** will stay closed indefinitely to allow for safe assessment and repair. **Motorists** are advised to utilize designated detours to avoid the blockage.

For those on **I-80 eastbound**, the suggested detour involves taking Exit 34 and following signs to **Route 15**. Alternatively, vehicles can exit at **Exit 28** onto **Route 46 eastbound**, which eventually leads back to **I-80**. These detours are crucial to maintaining traffic flow while safety concerns are addressed.

Stay mindful of these routes to ensure a smooth journey during this ongoing situation.

Massive Sinkhole Disrupts Travel on Interstate 80: What You Need to Know

### Overview of the Sinkhole Incident

In Wharton, New Jersey, a significant transportation disruption has arisen due to a **40-foot by 40-foot sinkhole** emerging on **Interstate 80 (I-80)**. This unfortunate event occurred at approximately **7:45 a.m.** near Exit 34, leading to the immediate closure of a portion of the highway. The sinkhole has not only impacted the shoulder but has also started to encroach on the eastbound right lane, causing substantial traffic delays.

### Cause of the Sinkhole

The New Jersey **State Department of Transportation** has confirmed that the sinkhole’s formation is attributed to the collapse of an **abandoned mineshaft** situated beneath the highway. The presence of this unstable underground structure complicates repair efforts, which were initially expected to be completed within the same day. However, forecasts predicting inclement weather over the coming weekend have further delayed these plans.

### Traffic Management and Detour Information

Given the indefinite closure of **I-80 East**, motorists are strongly advised to utilize designated detours to navigate around the area. The official detour route directs eastbound drivers to take **Exit 34** and follow the signs to **Route 15**. Additionally, those who prefer an alternative route can exit at **Exit 28** onto **Route 46 eastbound**, which will eventually lead back to I-80 once past the affected area.

#### Pros and Cons of Current Road Conditions

**Pros:**
– Detour routes are clearly marked, helping to minimize confusion among drivers.
– Safety assessments are being prioritized to ensure long-term stability.

**Cons:**
– Extended travel times due to detours may inconvenience many motorists.
– Potential for further weather-related complications delaying repairs.

### Work Progress and Safety Measures

Construction crews are currently working diligently to assess the situation, although the discovery of the abandoned mineshaft has raised concerns regarding the ground’s integrity. Safety measures must be meticulously planned to ensure the well-being of both workers and travelers. Motorists are encouraged to stay updated on traffic advisories regarding repair timelines and any possible changes in detour routes.

### Future Outlook and Implications

As teams work towards rectifying the sinkhole, the implications of this event extend beyond immediate travel disruptions. Experts emphasize the importance of infrastructure assessments across regions that may also harbor hidden risks, such as abandoned mines.

### Stay Informed

For current updates on road conditions and related news in New Jersey, visit the New Jersey Department of Transportation website. Travelers are urged to remain vigilant and follow local news for the latest traffic updates.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for unforeseen infrastructure challenges that can significantly impact daily commuters. As workers address the safety concerns posed by the sinkhole, the regional transport system will hopefully stabilize, allowing residents and visitors to traverse New Jersey roads safely once again.